Derry nurses on strike this week over pay parity and safety in hospitals for patients and staff
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have designated 2020 as the year of the nurse and midwife.
The department-led celebration for the North of Ireland is due to take place at the Stormont Hotel next Thursday.
The Foyle MLA commented: “Of course the invaluable, incredible work of our heath staff should be recognised but I would argue that the best way to honour them is by delivering pay parity.
“And perhaps more importantly achieving safe staffing levels within our hospitals.
“We are living through arguably one of the biggest crises our health service has ever faced.
“Yet in the midst of ongoing nursing strikes and the recent announcement regarding the Royal College of Midwives potential ballot for industrial action; the timing of this event is absent-minded to put it mildly.
“Whilst our nurses stand braving the elements on the picket lines, representatives are launching hot air events in hotels about how best to support the future of health and social care services.
“This will be of cold comfort for the many people waiting on spiralling lists for treatment, the A&E departments forced to issue ‘full to capacity’ warnings or the health staff going above and beyond the call of duty to cover growing gaps within the system.
“The demands are clear- the only way to support and value the work of our health staff is to create an environment where patient safety is guaranteed and where staff are paid the same as their counterparts elsewhere in the UK.
“It is a relatively small ask considering the gargantuan task our heroic health workers are presented with on a daily basis.”
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